METHOD FOR PREPARING METHYL FORMATE AND COPRODUCING DIMETHYL ETHER

摘要

A method for preparing methyl formate and coproducing dimethyl ether. A raw material containing formaldehyde and methanol is introduced into a first reaction area to come into contact with catalyst A and be separated therefrom, constituent I thus produced is introduced into a second reaction area to come into contact with catalyst B and then be separated therefrom, thus producing methyl formate, dimethyl ether, and constituent II. At least 1% of the dimethyl ether serves as a product while the remainder serves as circulating dimethyl ether to be returned to the first reaction area. Constituent II is returned to the second reaction area. The ratio of formaldehyde to methanol in the raw material in terms of the number of moles of carbon atoms contained in each constituent is formaldehyde : methanol = 1 : 0.05-4; the weight hourly space velocity of formaldehyde in the raw material is 0.01-15.0 h-1; the temperature in the first reaction area is 50-100 degrees Celsius; the temperature in the second reaction area is 50-200 degrees Celsius; the pressure is 0.1-10 MPa; and, the constituents are independently in the gaseous phase and/or liquid phase. The catalysts have an extended service life, reaction conditions are mild, raw material utilization rate is high, continuous production is allowed, and large-scale industrial application potential is provided.